{"id":180402,"date":"2025-09-27T03:21:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T01:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/?p=180402"},"modified":"2026-09-02T17:15:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T15:15:47","slug":"altamura-distilleries-italian-cocktail-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/press-release\/altamura-distilleries-italian-cocktail-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"Altamura Distilleries Launches Nationwide Cocktail Competition Inviting Italy\u2019s Bartenders to \u2018Re-Imagine the Classics\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Altamura Distilleries Launches Nationwide Cocktail Competition Inviting Italy\u2019s Bartenders to \u2018Re-Imagine the Classics\u2019<\/h2>\n

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ITALY, SEPTEMBER 2025<\/b>: In a proud and exciting milestone, Altamura Distilleries<\/b> announces its first-ever nationwide cocktail competition in Italy<\/b>, a country that has long defined elegance, innovation and excellence behind the bar. This new initiative marks a significant moment for Altamura Distilleries as it invites the nation\u2019s bartenders to rethink tradition and explore the full potential of vodka as a base for classic cocktails.<\/p>\n

Launching on 1st September<\/b>, the Altamura Distilleries Italia Cocktail Competition<\/b> invites bartenders from across Italy to take on a unique challenge: reinterpret a classic cocktail that does not traditionally feature vodka<\/b>, using Altamura Distilleries Vodka<\/b> as the base spirit. Entries close on 30th September<\/b>, with top entries progressing to live semi-finals<\/b> in Milan<\/b>, Rome<\/b> and Naples<\/b>, followed by a Grand Final in Florence<\/b>.<\/p>\n

This is more than a cocktail competition. It is a creative call to arms, celebrating the expressive versatility of Altamura Distilleries Vodka<\/b> and encouraging bartenders to view the greats of the cocktail canon through a new lens. Crafted from 100% Altamura durum wheat<\/b> \u2013 a rare heritage grain grown in Puglia<\/b> and used to make Pane di Altamura<\/b>, the only PDO-protected bread in the world<\/b> \u2013 the vodka offers a flavour and texture profile far beyond what most expect from the category.<\/p>\n

Altamura Distilleries Vodka<\/b> delivers delicate notes of aniseed, lemon zest and cracked pepper<\/b>, along with a creamy, umami-forward mouthfeel<\/b> and a long, expressive finish. This is vodka not as a neutral filler but as a genuine contributor to the cocktail experience \u2013 a foundation for flavour that invites reinterpretation of drinks from the Negroni<\/b> and Manhattan<\/b> to the Daiquiri<\/b> and beyond.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny other spirit would face challenges across the full cocktail repertoire. Vodka doesn\u2019t,\u201d says Lorenzo Di Col<\/b>a, Head of Brand at <\/b> Altamura Distilleries<\/b>. \u201cOur vodka goes further. Its structure and flavour depth allow bartenders to explore new dimensions while staying true to the soul of the classics. This competition is about celebrating that freedom and creativity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Italy has long played a central role in shaping the global bar landscape. From the golden age of hotel bars in Rome to the experimental energy of Milan and Naples, Italian bartenders have always stood at the forefront of hospitality and innovation. The Altamura Distilleries Italia Cocktail Competition<\/b> honours that legacy while helping shape its next chapter.<\/p>\n

The semi-finals will take place in Milano October 13th, Roma 14th and Napoli 15th<\/b>, with the Grand Final in Firenze on November 9th and 10th<\/b>. The regionals will be judged by some of the mixologists from the best-known bars in Italy, while the finals will be judged by a panel of the best mixologists from around the world.<\/p>\n

To build excitement, the bar locations for each event and the names of the judges will be revealed gradually over the next four weeks<\/b>.<\/p>\n

One winner from each semi-final will advance to the Grand Final on 10th November<\/b> at Locale<\/b> in Florence<\/b>, one of Italy\u2019s most respected cocktail destinations,The three finalists<\/b> will each be awarded an extraordinary prize: access to four of the most influential events in global hospitality and drinks culture<\/b>:<\/p>\n